A Message from the Rector:
I was so struck by Sunday’s Gospel passage in realizing that in John’s gospel, as Jesus tries to give his followers a memorable summary of his life’s work and his hopes for them on their last night together, he finishes his long good-bye by praying aloud so that his disciples can hear what he says.
What is prayer, anyway? The catechism in the back of the BCP defines prayer as “responding to God, by thought and by deeds, with or without words” (BCP p. 856).
That covers quite a range of possibilities! My ears are always open to hear about others’ experiences and practices of prayer, because prayer can be tricky and elusive. Some of the modern Christians who have inspired me include:
- Eugene Peterson, who translated the Message version of the Bible, said that he has memorized 5-7 psalms. He has a quiet moment each day, says one of the psalms, and then…waits, listening.
- Thomas Merton, a contemplative monk, also spoke of listening and waiting.
- Anne Lamott, who seems more like my kind of clutchy-and-hopeful sort of person, has a prayer box that she’s made out of an empty Kleenex box…when she is distressed by something and just can’t sit still another minute, she writes down her request and puts the paper in the Kleenex box—somehow that lets her unclench her nervous and grasping hands. Lamott also says that there are basically three prayers: Help! Thanks! Wow! While I aspire to the quiet waiting of Peterson and Merton, I am grateful for the raw honesty (and relatability) of Lamott.
On that note, I was very appreciative of Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe’s exploration of prayer from Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices. They go through the rest of the BCP catechism entry on prayer to identify the principal kinds of prayer: adoration, praise, thanksgiving, penitence, oblation, intercession, and petition. What I loved about their essay was pointing out that “prayer is a conversation that takes place in relationship”—and that relationship with God is a lot like a relationship with a close family member or friend. They give these analogies:
- Adoration: When you are with someone you know well and trust, you can be comfortable in each other’s presence without a need to say or do anything. That is what a prayer of adoration is like.
- Knowing someone intimately can lead you to appreciate them just as they are and who they are, feeling deep gratitude that this relationship exists. That sensibility is much like a prayer of praise.
- Even though there may be agreed-upon expectations in a relationship—dirty dishes in the dishwasher, call when you get home—as well as moments of great generosity or care. These may be anticipated, but for the sustenance and growth of the relationship, we will still be sure to say “thank you.” This is similar to a prayer of thanksgiving.
- On the other hand, it is important to say “I’m sorry” when I’ve made a mistake—and to indicate that I plan to do better in the future. This is similar to a prayer of penitence.
- There may be anticipated roles and chores and responses in a relationship, but in a strong relationship, friends, family, and partners step up to help when it is needed—we offer ourselves for support and assistance. Oblation prayers echo this effort.
- One of the reasons that we seek out friends and companions, and one of the great benefits of family life, is that we have a network to draw from. Asking for assistance, support, or just being a sounding board is a parallel example of both intercession and petition.
Sending you prayers in this season of inspiration and growth,
Jen+
Connect With Us
Rector’s Office Drop-In Time
Rev. Jen has set her office drop-in day as Wednesday of each week from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. for anyone who would like to stop in and visit. You are always invited to make an appointment for a time convenient for you. Mondays are her Sabbath day. NOTE: There will be no drop-in hours today, Wednesday, May 15.
The Day of Pentecost
In-Person Evening Prayer Service, Saturday, May 18, led by the Fr. Bill Wieland, 6:00 p.m. You can stream the service via St. Andrew’s Facebook Page. Click on this link to view the Live Stream. We will start the Live Stream 5 minutes prior to the start of the service.
Click here for the service booklet for May 18.
The Latest Updates
FREE PLANTS!
We will soon be changing the current usage of the flower/plant beds along the east side of the church proper into a new vision. If you’d like any of the plants in that area, please feel free to uproot and take them home with you. We’d like to have them removed within the next couple of weeks.
SILENT AUCTION OF REMAINING ARTWORK
We will be selling remaining artwork to the congregation. What is left unsold will be donated to Rescued Treasures. Proceeds from the sale of any prints or photos will go towards the preservation of art. Please let Rev. Jen know within the next few weeks if there is anything you are interested in.
SPRING VIRTUAL GATHERING FOR WOMEN
All women are invited to participate in the upcoming “Empowering Women of Faith” virtual gathering on May 20 at 1:00 p.m. ET sponsored by the Diocese of Indianapolis Women’s Ministries Council. Click here to register.
THE DIFFERENCE COURSE – THE ART AND PRACTICE OF RECONCILIATION
This will be on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on Zoom. Our friend Demarius Walker will lead five sessions based on Rose Castle Foundation’s Habits of a Reconciler beginning April 17 and running through May 15. The Difference Course presents resources and strategies for the art of Reconciliation which is the heart of reconciling wrongs and repenting – that is, making amends and turning to new paths. For more information, please click link here to register and be provided the Zoom link.
EPISCOPAL 101
Rev. Jen is offering a five week series which began Sunday, April 21 and will end Sunday, May 26. This series explores the foundations of our history, worship, and work in the world. Please contact her or the office if you are interested. The series will be offered on Sundays after church from 11:45 – 12:30. Remaining dates May 19 and May 26.
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Most weeks, the Tuesday Bible and Book group meet at 4:30 p.m. We have finished reading Debie Thomas, “Into the Mess.” On these Tuesdays, there is a service of Evening Prayer beginning at 4:00 p.m. Don’t be afraid to join in even if you come late! NOTE: There will be no bible study on Tuesday, May 21. On May 28 we will begin the new book “Celtic Christian Spirituality: Essential Writings-Annotated and Explained” published by Skylight Illuminations.
THIS WEEK’S SHOPPING LIST FOR NON-FOOD PANTRY
Please add Adult Depends Sizes Large & XL, 4 and 5 year old Children’s Pull-Ups, and boxes of Laundry Sheets to your shopping list for the NFP for the month of May. The laundry sheets are more popular and desirable especially for the older folk as they are much easier to handle than the bottles of liquid. Meals and conversation in Hamilton Hall are going well. Patrons are now able to pick out items they most need. Your contributions help our budget go farther in helping meet the needs of those in Putnam County. The next Non-Food Pantry will be Saturday, May 25 from noon – 2:00 p.m. The DePauw students will be unavailable at this distribution so please let us know if you are able to help out in any way.
REV. JEN AWAY
Rev. Jen will be out of the office May 15 – May 21 and also May 30 – June 3. If you should need anything during these times, please don’t hesitate to contact the church office or the Senior Warden, Karen Hirt Mannon.
FREE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
We have some large print Day by Day daily devotionals in the sanctuary that you are free to take home for your personal devotions–and if we know that people would like copies, we can order the right amount. Many of you may also appreciate the on-line version of Day to Day. Click here.
ON-GOING COVID PROTOCOL
We continue to respond to both our county’s current CDC designation and to the current variant. Masking is optional. Decisions on COVID policy have moved from the Reconvening Committee to Rev. Jen and the Wardens.
Prayers and Reflections for This Week
We have heard that the daily reflections and scripture readings provided during Lent were appreciated. The meditations are written by persons from Gobin UMC and Beech Grove UMC. They will be in the newsletter each week and go from Wednesday to Tuesday, except for Sunday. Whether you enjoy these every day or as the Spirit moves you, may this resource continue to bring you spiritual food for the journey. Blessings!
Click here to view the readings and accompanying links.
Non-Food Pantry Latest
Saturday, May 25
• Noon to 2:00 p.m.
There will be a distribution in Hamilton Hall and light lunches will be served inside. We are grateful for all those who have worked so hard to obtain supplies for the Non-Food Pantry. Items are having to be purchased from a variety of sources making it much more expensive. Donations to help offset this extra cost will be gratefully accepted!
Top 3 Needed Items
Your prayers are asked for:
The family of Ben Anderson, friend of Joanne Haymaker
Haile Bane, grandson of Joanne Haymaker
Beth Benedix, friend to many of us at St. Andrew’s
Amy Berry, friend of Pam Smith
Rae Boscoe, friend of Henrietta Schwartz
Vernon Bothwell, friend of Warren & Connie Macy
David Bryant, brother of Stephanie Gurnon
Marthe Chandler, friend of Martha Rainbolt
Adam Cohen, friend of St. Andrew’s
Clara Copeland, friend of Jen+
Anita Edenfield, friend of Skip Sutton
Bob Fatzinger, brother of Barbara Pare
Carole Greenawald
Sister Vickie Griner, friend of Trudy Selvia
Janet Jenks, friend to many at St. Andrew’s
Thad Jones, brother of Steve Jones
Lisa Breese Kincaid, daughter of Bob & Mimi Breese
The family of Bernie Knuth, uncle of Dennis Knuth
The family of Don Marple, brother of Martha Rainbolt
Mary Mountz
Tom Mullen, father of Patti Harmless
Marilyn & Leo Nelson, sister & brother-in-law of Joanne Haymaker
Sarah Oldstone, sister-in-law of Jen+
Elizabeth & Natalie Sheffler, daughter & granddaughter of Page & Narda Cotton
The family of Gloria Smith
Skip Sutton
Karen Swalley, friend of Thom & Gwen Morris
Scout Whitten
Deb Wilder, sister of Connie Macy
Dwight Ziegler, uncle of Stephanie Gurnon
Kat and family, friend of Jen+ & Chris
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: St. John’s, Washington: The Rev. Dennis Latta, Rector.
Our companion dioceses: The Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil: The Most Rev. Mauricio Jose Araujo De Andrade, Primate of Brazil and Bishop of Brasilia. The people and Diocese of Haiti and Saint Andre’s in Mithon.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of Canada.
Birthdays: Skip Sutton, May 20; Beth Haymaker, May 22; Jennifer Everett, May 27.
Anniversaries: John & Kate Berry, May 26; Mike & Renee Majors, May 29.
Special Events and Services
